Published Friday, 08 February, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Comments Sought on Changes to Environmental Laws
Proposed changes to the Environmental Protection Regulation will ensure the community no longer pays for pollution caused by Queensland industries.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said a suite of changes are proposed to the current Environmental Protection Regulation.
“The Environmental Protection Regulation provides the legislative tools for assessing and managing activities that cause pollution to the environment,” Mr McNamara said.
“The regulation has been in place for the past 10 years, and this review will ensure it keeps pace with the challenge of protecting Queensland’s unique environment.”
“We now have the opportunity to ensure that industries meet our environmental needs over the next decade.”
A Regulatory Impact Statement has been released for comment, which outlines the policy changes in the proposed new regulations.
“We are taking the opportunity to look at changing the way we manage environmental emissions from operations that require environmental licenses,” Mr McNamara said.
“Industries with a higher potential for environmental harm will receive more attention from the Environmental Protection Agency.
“While it is likely there will be fee increases for bigger polluting industries, the proposed fees are less than in other states.
“The proposed regulation recognises that polluters rather than the general community should bear the costs of environmental damage caused by industry.”
The release of the draft Regulatory Impact Statement gives the community, affected business operators and interest groups an opportunity to provide feedback before the new regulations are finalised.
People wishing to comment on the Regulatory Impact Statement can obtain copies at: www.epa.qld.gov.au or contact the EPA on 3225 1961.
Comments should be submitted by 5.00pm, 28 March.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8002
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said a suite of changes are proposed to the current Environmental Protection Regulation.
“The Environmental Protection Regulation provides the legislative tools for assessing and managing activities that cause pollution to the environment,” Mr McNamara said.
“The regulation has been in place for the past 10 years, and this review will ensure it keeps pace with the challenge of protecting Queensland’s unique environment.”
“We now have the opportunity to ensure that industries meet our environmental needs over the next decade.”
A Regulatory Impact Statement has been released for comment, which outlines the policy changes in the proposed new regulations.
“We are taking the opportunity to look at changing the way we manage environmental emissions from operations that require environmental licenses,” Mr McNamara said.
“Industries with a higher potential for environmental harm will receive more attention from the Environmental Protection Agency.
“While it is likely there will be fee increases for bigger polluting industries, the proposed fees are less than in other states.
“The proposed regulation recognises that polluters rather than the general community should bear the costs of environmental damage caused by industry.”
The release of the draft Regulatory Impact Statement gives the community, affected business operators and interest groups an opportunity to provide feedback before the new regulations are finalised.
People wishing to comment on the Regulatory Impact Statement can obtain copies at: www.epa.qld.gov.au or contact the EPA on 3225 1961.
Comments should be submitted by 5.00pm, 28 March.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8002